Xavi described 15-year-old Lamin Yamal as fearless after the winger became the youngest player included in Barcelona’s squad for competitive play.
Yamal, a La Masia player who turns 16 in July, could become the youngest Barça player to face Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday.
The Spain under-19 international is already the youngest player to be included in the official Blaugrana squad, but Xavi is confident he can make an impact if needed.
“He is a player who can help us because he is talented,” Xavi said on Saturday. “He has a lot of personality, he can play one on one, he is strong and I am convinced that he can help us.
“I spoke to him and he is grateful and happy. If there are circumstances where he can help us, he is ready.”
Asked if Yamal reminds him of any former Barça greats, Xavi replied: “He has a natural talent.
“The new generations are different from my era in that they have no fear. Lamine is different…he has the qualities of different players, I don’t see a direct comparison.”
15 years, 9 months and 10 days pic.twitter.com/Res4tJnPqK
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) April 22, 2023